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Industry Reports

New technology, shifting consumer preferences, and the expanding US economy have all been driving factors for the continued growth of the E-Commerce & Internet Retailing industry. Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity has been robust year-to-date, with 53 deals announced or closed through August 27.

Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the Public Safety Solutions industry has increased 25.6% year-over-year,rising from 39 announced or completed transactions to-date in 2017 to 49 to-date in 2018. Buyers have targeted companies that can provide structure, insight, and actionable intelligence for the ever-increasing deluge of data that public safety agencies and departments face.

For the fourth consecutive year, results of the American Water Works Association’s State of the Water Industry Report revealed that the renewal and replacement of the aging water and wastewater infrastructure is the top issue facing the water industry, according to respondents.

The robust economy, driven by historic levels of real disposable income per capita and consumer sentiment, which rose 2.3% and 3.4% year-over-year, respectively, continues to foster growth in the Personal Care Products & Services industry. The market value of the Personal Care industry is expected to reach $89.7 billion in 2018, a 4.1% increase from 2017, according to Statista.

The first half of 2018 has experienced a significant upswing in all measures of market activity in comparison to the more modest growth experienced in 2017. In the first half of 2017, there were 86 deals announced or closed. As of June 2018, there have been 93 deals announced or closed, representing an 8.0% year-over-year (YoY) increase.

The Education Technology (EdTech) Industry has seen robust merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in 2018 as digital solutions for textbooks, learning management, and blended teaching tools become more widely available and more regularly adopted. Both strategic and financial buyers have been aggressive in the industry and deal activity is poised to remain high as startup companies mature and the industry consolidates.

Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the Food & Beverage industry continues to show robust activity year-to-date (YTD) 2018 with 157 transactions announced or completed, compared to 163 in the same period in 2017. Historically high levels of real disposable personal income and consumer confidence have contributed to shifting consumer preferences and revenue growth in the Food & Beverage industry.

Following a challenging year for Chemicals industry operators in 2017 due to volatile feedstock and oil prices as well as numerous natural disasters, the industry rebounded during the first half of 2018 and is poised for sustained growth. According to the American Chemicals Council’s (ACC) Mid-Year 2018 Chemical Industry Situation and Outlook, US chemical production is expected to expand 3.4% in 2018.

Changing consumer preferences regarding what consumers want to eat, and how and where they want to eat, are causing a dramatic shift in the restaurant industry. For many reasons, that shift is also creating tremendous opportunities for restaurants in the business of breakfast.

Behavioral healthcare services are in high demand as organizations address the rising need for treating alcoholism, opioid and other drugs addictions, eating disorders, and mental illnesses. Following the 27.6% year-over-year increase in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in 2017, acquisitions continue at a rapid pace as leading industry players and private equity firms acquire to gain market dominance or to capitalize on the strength of the industry.